Keep Pesticides out of Parks

Learn how you can reduce or even eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in public areas.

August/September 2008
By Megan Phelps 
Gazette5
Image Gallery
Pesticides have been shown to cause many health problems; let’s avoid spraying them when possible.
JUPITERIMAGES
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

Many of the chemical pesticides used in our city parks and public spaces are damaging to the environment and to our health.

RELATED CONTENT

Many common pesticides are associated with a variety of health problems, especially for children. Research suggests that some are linked to certain types of cancer, and can lead to weakened immune systems and developmental disorders. And the effects aren’t limited to where they’re sprayed: Pesticides often end up in our rivers, lakes and drinking water.

If you’re concerned about toxic chemicals in public spaces, start by contacting your public officials. Check with your city parks department and find out if notices are posted after toxic chemicals have been sprayed, or if they’re used around playground equipment.

Many cities are already taking safer approaches to pest control. One common approach used to maintain healthier public spaces is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This pest control system uses the least toxic fix for pest problems. For regional IPM resources, visit their Web site. 

Another approach is to designate some parks “pesticide free” and maintain them without the use of these chemicals. Two cities with designated pesticide-free parks are Portland, Ore., and Seattle, Wash. Search for “pesticide free park program” here and for “pesticide reduction programs” here.  

Two good places to learn about the specific health effects of different pesticides and nontoxic alternatives are the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides and National Pesticide Information Center.

Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.